What users are saying about
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring#question3' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>Customer Verified: Read more.</a>
48 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.8 out of 100
Based on 48 reviews and ratings
6 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 6.9 out of 100
Based on 6 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
Likelihood to Recommend
8.7
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
87%
27 Ratings

8.0
D-Link Wireless
80%
1 Rating
Usability
8.2
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
82%
1 Rating

D-Link Wireless
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
9.0
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
90%
2 Ratings

D-Link Wireless
N/A
0 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
[Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller's] software quality has been shed in recent years. The only problem I have with it is its inability to work with older Cisco Access Points. However, that's to be expected for any deployment. While the controller's UI works well, some areas could be improved. API integrations lack flexibility. [I feel] it's time for policy redesign. It can be a little difficult to determine coding quality.
IT Specialist
Lamda I-TECHInformation Technology & Services, 11-50 employees
D-Link Wireless
Best in small networks & appropriate in industrial areas. AP works fine in any temperature & location (in remote locations office or remote location). Open area wireless connectivity is good with good range. Simple VLAN management and management are good. Backup and restoration is very good. Small home offices using wireless network work awesome.
Deputy Manager
Pak Suzuki MotorsAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees
Pros
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- The GUI on the Cisco 8540 WLC is much better designed than other Cisco products. Its easy to navigate between the different settings to find what is needed.
- The AP groups allows touching multiple APs at one time.
- It also allows us to create standard SSIDs that can be used at all sites that connect back to it, this saves a lot of time instead of hitting each site with a local controller.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
D-Link Wireless
- Due to multiple switches in a single network environment, communication issues are common; therefore, productivity is effected. After installing D-Link Wireless, we resolved these kind of issues in our network.
- One windows solution make management easy via D-Link Wireless.
- Logs and troubleshooting is now easily handled. Pictorial form help in configuration and users management.
Deputy Manager
Pak Suzuki MotorsAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees
Cons
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Code quality is a bit hit and miss. This will be great for a while, then things will be bad for a while, then we'll do it again. The UI of the controller works, but could do with a refresh, and I would like to see some improvement on layout and organization.
- The constant code/firmware upgrades and the QA of new code could be better.
- Maybe the compatibility with old Cisco Access Points could be improved, but it's normal in all kinds of deployments.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 51-200 employeesD-Link Wireless
- Hanging issues are common in large scale networks. Even wireless controller is hanged in peak hours.
- Issues in VLAN configuration and port configurations.
- Cost is high in front of other brands.
Deputy Manager
Pak Suzuki MotorsAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees
Pricing Details
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—D-Link Wireless
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Usability
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 8.2
Based on 1 answer
Very well made product. Very stable. We have had no issues administering the 8540.
Senior Network Engineer
EatonMachinery, 10,001+ employees
D-Link Wireless
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller 9.0
Based on 2 answers
It is a better product. The evolution is positive.
Gerente de Noc and support
EVCON GROUPComputer & Network Security, 51-200 employees
D-Link Wireless
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
We have [done] some work before with the Cisco 3504 product, but the more recent Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller provides a wider range of capabilities for managing the wireless network and each individual device [and] also being able to handle more users. Unfortunately, we didn't test and deploy equivalent products from other concurrent companies.
Researcher
Instituto de TelecomunicaçõesTelecommunications, 501-1000 employees
D-Link Wireless
We studied and selected D-Link due to usage in a limited area, and it is a very cost effective solution; therefore, D-Link Wireless AP and D-Link Wireless Controller [were] selected for our organization.We also [researched] Cisco, but Cisco was an expensive product and not appropriate in our required area or task; therefore, we selected D-Link.
Deputy Manager
Pak Suzuki MotorsAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees
Return on Investment
Cisco 8540 Wireless Controller
- Network engineers find it easier to [manage] high-stress levels since they're more reliable and robust.
- Their initial cost is very high compared to other router providers, such as Juniper.
- Their hardware dependability can be a big drawback if you run on a budget.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employeesD-Link Wireless
- Organizational needs are fulfilled [which] means return on investment.
- Smooth connectivity increases productivity. Yes, we are satisfied in this area.
- Management and troubleshooting are core features & very quick in production area.
Deputy Manager
Pak Suzuki MotorsAutomotive, 1001-5000 employees